South Korea honors tourism leaders at 53rd Tourism Day ceremony

South Korea held the 53rd Tourism Day ceremony on September 30, honoring 23 individuals for their contributions to the development of the nation's tourism industry, foreign visitor attraction, and regional revitalization.

Key award recipients included Kim Nam-chul, Vice President of Hilton Gyeongju, who received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for his five decades of service and efforts in local employment. Kim Ok-hee, head of Jingwansa Temple, was awarded the Order of Camellia for promoting Korean temple food and traditional culinary culture. Kim Chun-chu, CEO of Kims M&T, received the Iron Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for attracting approximately 400,000 foreign tourists and generating $100 million in foreign exchange. Additionally, Jeong Hyeong-pil of KINTEX received the Stone Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for securing overseas exhibition management rights.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young expressed gratitude to those driving the record-breaking growth of ‘K-tourism’ and pledged that the government would provide significant investment and support to transform South Korea into a must-visit destination.